Westmoreland working toward 'getting back to normal quality of life'_BINARY_943881

Wednesday

Aug 29, 2012 at 3:22 PM

An update on the status of Portsmouth native and Red Sox minor-leaguer Ryan Westmoreland, who underwent surgery six weeks ago for a complication of the cavernous malformation of his brain, a condition on which he first had surgery in 2010, from his f

Brian MacPherson Journal Sports Writer brianmacp

An update on the status of Portsmouth native and Red Sox minor-leaguer Ryan Westmoreland, who underwent surgery six weeks ago for a complication of the cavernous malformation of his brain, a condition on which he first had surgery in 2010, from his father, Ron Westmoreland:

"Ryan is at home and continuing to work hard in outpatient therapies in Boston. There are no timetables at this point, and our focus is to work towards getting him back to the normal quality of life that he had worked so hard to achieve over the previous two-plus years. Having been through this once, we all realize it will be a long and challenging road for Ryan, but with his determination, strength and courage, along with the support of his family, friends and the Boston Red Sox, we are confident he will win this battle.

"Although it is difficult to understand why this happened again, we feel fortunate to have had access to the medical professionals both in the Red Sox organization, at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, and at St Josephs Hospital and Barrows Neurological Institute in Phoenix. This complication and surgery was almost identical to the first and its re-occurrence was very surprising to everyone involved. Knowing the horrifying risks associated with the surgery, we are extremely grateful to them for their professionalism and expertise.

"Once again, there has been an incredible show of support from people in Red Sox Nation, throughout RI and across the country, both inside and outside of the baseball communities, and for that words cannot express our gratitude. We ask for continued privacy as he moves forward, and when he is ready to speak on his status or plans, I know he will do so with the inspiration, integrity and class that has defined him throughout this ordeal."